My first step on the mountain was my biggest success given my injury, from which I had not been able to recover before the climb. Every subsequent step was a small victory, which I enjoyed to the fullest. And it took many, many steps before reaching Uhuru Peak, something that I had not believed to be possible. How did I get there? Together with a great team – the company of 20 powerful women was truly inspiring. Next to storytelling and sharing personal experiences there were moments of silence and time for reflection. We also had fun and some good…

The journey has been phenomenal. Looking back at it I can say I enjoyed every minute of it. I had prepared well for the trip. I had trained thoroughly and also carefully and consciously selected and purchased my equipment. The training proved worthwhile. During the first 5 days when we ascended slowly step by step, I enjoyed the walks and climbs. It was an extraordinary experience to be on the mountain. The views were spectacular. All we had to do was put one foot in front of the other while telling stories and sharing time with Kili sisters. There was…

It’s over already? After a year of thinking about the climb, the months of training and finally the ephemeral week of the actual climb…all seems to be a dream. This accumulation of realization did not register until driving to the airport on the last day, looking out of the vehicle window and gazing upon Mt. Kilimanjaro’s peak from the road as the sun set upon the horizon. While within the boundaries of the park, my thoughts were focused on the present experience of my close surroundings and with those who accompanied me on the journey (porters, guides, fellow Kili sisters),…

People are welcoming my return and still asking questions. “- How was it?” “- Well, dark, cold and awesome, pretty much the same as what you have here in the Netherlands except the last part. But, it is difficult to describe…” “- Did you make it?” “- Yes, I made it. But it was not about the summit at all…you know…” Normally, people wouldn’t wait until I finish my “buts” after hearing the “I made it” part. They just screamed for the “new height in my life”. Back from Kilimanjaro alone, as how I went there days ago. Arrived at…

My first full day at home and it was lovely. Kids crawled in bed with us very early, extended breakfast, walk to the icecream parlor – exactly as a first day should be. Sadly it is also the last day of the weekend – so life starts again tomorrow – I am not sure I am ready for it…. The journey home was uneventful – that is until we reached the Netherlands. At Schiphol they first couldn’t find my luggage. Luckily they eventually did locate it somewhere, so when I walked out 1,5 hours after we landed to hug my hubby…

I am back from Kilimanjaro and yet my thoughts are still very much there. So many things going on in my head, scenes passing in my memories, reflecting on situations with so many others or just with myself… A lot to process. I hadn’t set any expectations because I certainly didn’t want to spoil it. But how could I have imagined this anyway? It is difficult to describe in words that can totally grasp what it has been like. A lot of friends ask how it was, are curious to get to know all that happened and want to hear…

Wow, for months you look forward to this big event and all of a sudden it is over. No Kilimanjaro trip to look forward to anymore, no mountain to train for anymore. But what is left are sore muscles, an amazing experience, fantastic pictures and a strong network of females. While being on the mountain the whole seven day trip passed by in slow motion. Days in the mountains feel a lot longer than they feel below sea level. But although at the time it felt like summit day was still miles away, looking back the climb passed by so quickly….

It is hard to believe that we have done it. We have been to Tanzania, walked on the mountain, and reached all our own personal summits. It had highs, it had lows, and it had everything in between (both concretely and metaphorically). I’m still processing the sensorial overload that has been the past week and I’m sure that I will for the next while to come. There is so much that I have learnt, but here is what I will say for today: I am grateful for experiencing the importance of finding, and going at, your own pace I am…

Back to real life, back to the altitude below sea level. Now it is hard to believe that only 7 days ago I woke up to start the summit day. That was hard. Much harder than I expected it to be. I totally disagree with people who say “oh, it’s just a walk”. It is not. At least for me and as far as I know for the rest of the team it was not “just a walk” at all. We woke up at 11 pm to get ready and started to ascend at 12. We were a big group…

What to tell about our journey at Kilimanjaro? So much to tell but where to start. Actually, the journey for me can somewhat be described in three parts. The first part, which were the first 3 days, is the “get fat” part. The days were filled with walks in the morning that brought us to the next camp. We soon found out that not only the drinking of water (4-5-6 liters a day) but also the almost excessive eating could not be avoided. This already started with the lunchbox of the first day. Cadbury’s chocolate for lunch. Interesting and surprising,…